The Club Insider Archives: May 2018

Justin CatesEach month, at Club Insider, we attempt to bring to you, our readers, stories of club success. Though we always seek to report the full story of how an organization came to be, eventually, the core of the story becomes about what they are doing now. As so many have been quoted about overnight successes, though, the irony they try to embellish is that an overnight success is never that. It is something that took years and levels of planning to achieve that most cannot comprehend. That is why, this month, I am personally excited to bring to you an in-depth cover story about modern club architecture and design, featuring two true veterans of the field in our industry, Rudy Fabiano and Bruce Carter. Read More...

Mike AlpertLast Saturday evening, I was privileged to attend the 8th Annual Be Perfect Foundation fundraiser in La Verne, California. The event is held to raise awareness and funds to assist people with Spinal Cord injuries and other forms of paralysis. Over 1,000 people came together for an evening of entertainment, food and dancing, and over $500,000 was raised. During the evening, several people were able to share their story and journey from active everyday lifestyle to paralysis to recovery. Read More...

Stephen TharrettIn the 1940s, economist Joseph Schumpeter coined the term "creative destruction" that spoke to the peril and promise inherent in capitalistic innovation. He said, "Situations emerge in the process of creative destruction in which many firms have to perish that nevertheless would be able to live on vigorously if they could weather a particular storm." If one didn't know better, you would presume he was speaking about today's fitness industry, where boutique fitness studios have become that particular storm of creative destruction. Read More...

Paul R. Bedard, Esquire"This article is intended for educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice. Widely varying laws specific to each jurisdiction prohibit one-size-fits-all recommendations. Please consider these comments as an educational guide to assist you when you consult your own attorney for specific direction." If you have read my previous Club Insider articles, you have repeatedly read the last four sentences. Yet, what qualities should you look for in an attorney to ensure that you engage truly effective counsel? Read More...

Jim ThomasI speak to gym owners all the time who are seeking more website visits and more leads from their website. The key here is to create internet density and visibility. You simply need to be everywhere your prospect may look. Now, this is not meant to be all-inclusive, but it is a good starting point for most gyms. Here are five things you can do immediately to improve the branding of your gym and increase exposure. Read More...

Paul BosleyAre you considering expanding your business or opening your first location? If so, often the biggest fears are, "How do I pay for this?" or "Can I afford to purchase equipment and rent a space?" This article describes two complementary financing products that can be used by a business owner to provide the financing needed to finance your business so read on... Read More...

Sam JohnsonLast month, in Club Insider, Paul R. Bedard, Esquire, wrote an article on social media covering the legal elements of a defamation claim and how to address defamatory issues on social media reviews. Social media isn't going away, and Paul stated that, "truthful assertions and mere opinions do not give rise to a viable defamation claim." The real problem results from posts you cannot control on social media platforms designed to generate those very posts. Read More...

Nancy TrentAmazon has become the primary online shopping destination in the United States. It's impacting every industry, including fitness. Unlike most businesses, Amazon is not concerned with turning an immediate profit. They are consistent, persistent and obsessive about pricing. Amazon has nothing to lose, which means most fitness brands have much to lose on it. However, if you are not selling your brand on Amazon, someone is, and they are making a profit that could be in your pocket. Read More...

The Atlantic Club's Country Concert for ALS a Huge SuccessMANASQUAN, N.J. - The Country Concert for ALS at The Atlantic Club in Manasquan on Friday, April 27th proved to be a great success. The event brought together both members and the community to raise awareness for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease. A total amount of $7,500 was raised for the ALS Therapy Development Institute, in an effort to get AT-1501, the most promising drug to date in the treatment of ALS, into human trials this year. Read More...

Life Time Disrupts Shared Workspace Industry With Opening of Life Time WorkPHILADELPHIA, PA - In a company first, Life Time, the Healthy Way of Life brand, is adding shared workspaces to its booming luxury health and wellness destinations and experiences with the introduction of Life Time Work. With elegant workspaces thoughtfully designed for a variety of needs and appointments that promote comfort, collaboration and productivity, Life Time Work is located within the new Life Time Athletic Ardmore destination at Suburban Square. Read More...

The Bay Club Company Acquires Broadway Tennis CenterSAN FRANCISCO, CA - The Bay Club Company ("Bay Club"), a California-based hospitality company, announced the acquisition of Broadway Tennis Center ("BTC"), continuing its growth of luxury properties in the California marketplace. Effective June 1, Bay Club will assume operations of Broadway Tennis Center, which will be offered as an additional amenity to Bay Club members in the Northern California market. The state-of-the-art tennis facility located in Burlingame, California will complement the current offerings that Bay Club is recognized for and further expand their Four Points of Focus: fitness, sports, hospitality and family. Read More...